KARACHI: Pakistani freelancers earned a record $1.76 billion in foreign exchange during fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26), marking a 78 percent increase from $984 million in the previous fiscal year, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The remarkable growth was driven by strong performance across both IT and non-IT freelance exports, highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to Pakistan’s digital economy and export earnings.
Pakistan’s IT freelancers generated more than $1.16 billion in export earnings during FY26, compared with $779 million in FY25. The increase of nearly 49 percent, equivalent to around $385 million, reflects rising global demand for Pakistani digital services, including software development, web design, digital marketing, and other technology-based solutions.
Non-IT freelancers also posted exceptional growth, with export earnings surging to $592 million in FY26 from $205 million a year earlier.
The segment recorded an impressive 188 percent increase, adding approximately $387 million in foreign exchange earnings and demonstrating the expanding global reach of Pakistani professionals across creative, business, and professional services.
Freelancers Strengthening Pakistan’s Economy
Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman said the country’s freelance workforce is playing an increasingly important role in strengthening the national economy by generating foreign exchange and contributing to tax revenues.
He noted that Pakistan’s freelancing industry has evolved into one of the country’s leading export sectors, with annual earnings now surpassing several traditional industries.
“Pakistani freelancers are not only improving their own livelihoods through talent and hard work, but are also contributing to the development of a more productive, skilled and digitally empowered workforce,” Amin said.
Pakistan Among World’s Largest Freelancing Markets
According to industry estimates, Pakistan is home to nearly three million full-time and part-time freelancers, making it the fourth-largest freelancing workforce in the world.
The continued expansion of freelance exports underscores the growing importance of Pakistan’s digital economy and its potential to generate sustainable foreign exchange earnings while creating employment opportunities for skilled professionals.
